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Review
. 2025 Aug 25:19:7349-7363.
doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S542000. eCollection 2025.

Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update on Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Treatment

Shuting Chen  1 , Ling Li #  1 , Wei Ding #  1 , Yueqian Zhu  1 , Naihui Zhou  1
Affiliations
Review

Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update on Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Treatment

Shuting Chen et al. Drug Des Devel Ther. .

Abstract

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a common type of alopecia. The pathogenesis of AGA involves genetic predisposition, androgen metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired energy metabolism. The choice of therapeutic agents for the treatment of AGA remains controversial globally, with finasteride and minoxidil being the only two widely recognized and legally approved therapeutic options. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of drugs targeting different pathogenic mechanisms of AGA. This article reviews the main drugs currently used for AGA treatment. By summarizing their mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy, it aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical basis and clinical reference for the treatment of AGA.

Keywords: androgenetic alopecia; pathogenesis; pharmacotherapy; research progress.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The pathogenesis and therapy of androgenetic alopecia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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